PAUL MURPHY FROM TOTTON CONVICTED OF CHILD ABUSE IN SALISBURY COURT

A young woman, who was only 12 years old at the time, endured a traumatic experience of child abuse that she kept silent about for many years. The Salisbury Crown Court heard how her silence was largely due to her internal feelings of guilt and shame, especially after her attacker, Paul Murphy from Totton, attempted to take his own life following one of the abuse incidents.

It was only after years of suffering in silence that she finally confided in a friend during her university years. This revelation prompted her to seek professional help, and she underwent extensive therapy to cope with the emotional scars left by Murphy’s actions. Her journey towards justice was long and arduous, marked by a deep sense of burden that she carried for nearly two decades.

In a heartfelt victim impact statement read aloud in court, she expressed the profound difficulty of her path to this point. She described how she had to carry the weight of Murphy’s abuse for many years, which has left her with ongoing mental health struggles, including flashbacks, anxiety, and depression. She emphasized that the effects of the abuse, which occurred almost 20 years ago, have been enduring and deeply impactful.

During the trial, Murphy, aged 61, denied two charges of assault by penetration of a child and one charge of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. However, the jury found him guilty of all charges. Murphy appeared in court visibly unwell, using a walking stick, with his arm in a sling, and with burn dressings on his face. It was revealed that he was suffering from prostate cancer and was still undergoing treatment for burn injuries, which contributed to his physical condition.

Defense lawyer Ed Wilde expressed his client’s remorse, stating that Murphy was “intensely sorry” for his actions. Wilde also noted that Murphy had lost his reputation and good standing within the community, lamenting that his life had taken a tragic turn. He highlighted Murphy’s previous good character, mentioning that he was once a supportive member of the local community who helped the elderly and was well-regarded by friends.

Wilde presented a character witness statement from a friend who had known Murphy for 30 years. The witness described Murphy as someone who was always there for others, especially the elderly, and who contributed positively to the community.

Judge Adam Feest KC acknowledged the severe and lasting impact Murphy’s actions had on his victim. He sentenced Murphy to nine years in prison, with one year to be served on license. Additionally, Murphy was handed a sexual harm prevention order and will be registered as a sex offender for life, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.